Low Income Energy Bill Assistance in Rhode Island

The Federal Department of Health and Human Services funds the Rhode Island Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This resource can provide utility bill assistance to low income families across Rhode Island, and it can assist households with meeting the increasing costs of home heating and cooling bills. An emergency program can also help address the severity of an energy related emergency from a crisis program.

The Office of Energy Resources runs the Rhode Island LIHEAP program. However applications and intake is provided by Community Action agencies across Rhode Island.

The number of families who are assisted is extensive. Last winter, the Rhode Island LIHEAP program provided heating grants and assistance to almost 40,000 families across the state. Another 7,000 or so were provided utility bill assistance from the crisis component.

The application process will usually start in September, when the applications are mailed out. In October you will be able to apply at your local community action agency to make an appointment. Any amount of assistance is on a first come first serve basis, and all funds provided to families in Rhode Island will depend on the program funding.

Individuals can stop by one of 7 community action agencies listed below, and each accepts applications for LIHEAP assistance. The seven non-profit agencies are responsible for authorizing and disbursing payments, intake screening of clients, and distributing money for utility bills.

The normal amount provided will be from $300 to $450, and it is a one time benefit. The amount provided will depend on the family size and their total household income. The cash grant will be paid out by the community action agency that is responsible for making payments.

 

 

Crisis assistance is available for Rhode Island families from LIHEAP, and grants can be provided to households with an energy crisis that related to maintaining heat in the home during the winter. So if you are out of fuel or oil, or faced with a disconnection, the crisis program may help.

Rhode Island agencies to apply at for LIHEAP

East Bay Community Action Program, 100 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915, telephone (401) 437-0006. Provides services in the counties of Bristol, East Providence, Jamestown, Little Compton, Barrington, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren, Middletown.

South County Community Action can help families in Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Westerly, Exeter, South Kingstown, West Greenwich, Charlestown, New Shoreham, and Richmond. Address is 1935 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879, call (401) 789-3016 or toll free 1-800-432-2605

Westbay Community Action - 205 Buttonwoods Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886, telephone (401) 732-4660. Provides LIHEAP in Warwick, Coventry, West Warwick, East Greenwich.

Tri-Town Community Action, 1126 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919, call (401) 351-2750. Counties of Smithfield, Burrillville, Gloucester, Chepachet, North Providence, and Johnston are covered.

Blackstone Valley Community Action, 32 Goff Street Pawtucket, RI 02860, telephone (401) 723-4520. The direct LIHEAP number is (401) 723-0227. Woonsocket, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Lincoln, Cumberland, Central Falls.

Providence Community Action (ProCAP) is located at 518 Hartford Avenue, Providence, RI 02909. Phone (401) 273-0882

Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP) is located at 311 Doric Avenue Cranston, RI 02910. Dial (401) 467-9610. Utility and energy assistance is offered in Cranston, Scituate, Foster by this agency.